DUSTIN SCOTT made sure this night would go down in Panther history, as did the Jackson County defense.

Scott gave the Panthers a go-ahead score on a 51-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter and Jackson County produced a late defensive stand to clinch a state playoff berth with a 33-28 Senior Night win over Elbert County Friday. Click here for photos.

The Panthers (6-3, 4-2) — who close the season next week at Morgan County — have broken a 20-year postseason drought.

“Senior Night, it feels amazing,” Scott said. “Coming out here, beating a team that is that good, it just shows everybody that we’re not a joke anymore.”

The game ended with a sack of Elbert County quarterback Mecole Hardman as the Blue Devils were driving into Panther territory for a possible game-winning score.

Elbert County couldn’t get lined back up after the sack and the clock expired. Panther students and fans engulfed the field to join the players in a celebration two decades in the making.

“It’s huge,” first-year coach Benji Harrison said. “We set that (going to state) as our goal from day one. And a lot of people probably looked at us like we were crazy. But you’re never going to turn the program around until the expectations change. Our kids bought into that expectation. To do this just gives me chills because the kids have worked so hard.”

Scott, coming off a 318-yard performance against Oconee County, finished with 143 yards rushing and four touchdowns — three rushing and one receiving. Scott now has 1,023 yards rushing on the season.

Meanwhile, the Panther defense responded in the second half, holding the Blue Devils — who were playing without the services of star tailback Tyshon Dye – to one touchdown while forcing two turnovers.

“We realized that this team is beatable,” said Jackson County defensive end River Bryant who had five tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks. “We’ve come a long way as Jackson County. We just put that on the field and believed in ourselves and we were able to put it together and win.”

Jackson County trailed 28-27 early in the fourth quarter with Elbert County moving into Panther territory. But defensive back Garrett Holt intercepted an overthrown pass from Hardman at the Panther 20.

Jackson County’s subsequent drive, however, seemingly stalled when it was faced with a third-and-11 at its own 49. So the Panthers handed the ball to Scott, who got to the corner and burned the Blue Devils for a 51-yard touchdown run with 6:33 left in the game.

“I couldn’t have done it without the wide out blocking,” explained Scott, who said that Xavier Harper provided the key block. “As soon as I saw that, it was turn on the jets and run like crazy.”

For the second week in a row, Scott — who scored on a 91-yarder last week to clinch a win over Oconee County — was just trying to get a key first down late in a game and ended up going all the way.

“Everybody, from the line to the wide receivers blocking, they did an outstanding job,” Scott said. “I couldn’t ask for any better.”

Harrison said Scott is a player who wants the ball at big moments.

“He’s an explosive player,” Harrison said. “We just felt like with what they were doing that maybe we’d surprise them a little bit. He’s got great work ethic and with how he practices and works everyday, that’s why he’s had success the last few weeks.”

Jackson County forced a fumble on Elbert County’s next possession, but the Panthers gave the Blue Devils one last gasp with an interception with 1:26 left in the game. Elbert County drove to the Jackson County 30 with 21 seconds left but the Panther defense responded with the game-ending sack to send Jackson County to the playoffs.

“It’s all the hard work we’ve been putting in,” Bryant said. “That’s all it is. The score hasn’t always reflected how well we’ve played. But that last stand was clutch. That’s my word for it.”

Harrison said the defense played “huge.”

“We challenged them at half time,” the coach said. “The defense, I can’t say enough. They responded in the second half. They came up with some huge stops for us and gave us an opportunity to win.”

This was Jackson County’s first-ever win over Elbert County in seven meetings. The victory also clinched the Panthers’ first winning season since 1992.

Jackson County, which had lost to Elbert County by a combined score of 102-8 the past two years, showed early on that this year would be different.

Senior quarterback Kyle Daniel connected with Ben Brissey on a 35-yard pass on the first play of the game. Daniel finished 19-of-26 for 207 yards and passed the 2,000-yard mark on the year (2,099 yards). Jackson County later scored on a one-yard run from Scott to cap a 63-yard drive.

“We said that we’ve got to let them know early that we’re going to play with them,” Harrison said. “By getting the ball first and doing that, it gave our kids confidence.”

Scott added a four-yard touchdown reception on the Panthers’ next drive and later a nine-yard touchdown run with 2:28 left in the first half as Jackson County led 21-14.

Elbert County, however, scored with four seconds left in the first half — with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Hardman to Rantious Reed — to knot the game at 21 at the half.

Daivon Ledford broke the tie in the third quarter with a four-yard touchdown run, but Elbert County’s K’taro Cade answered with a five-yard rushing touchdown to put the Blue Devils ahead 28-27 heading into the final period.

But the Panthers answered with a fourth quarter of football that will be remembered for quite some time at Jackson County.

For the senior class, it was a fitting way to finish its final game at home.

“It’s very emotional,” Scott said. “Tears of joy. Can’t ask anything better. Just coming out and playing your hearts out the last time you’re going to play on your home turf.”

Im a former East Jackson player and I can't say I'll ever root for JCCHS, but I'll give credit where credit is due. This is monsterous for your school,coaches, players, and program. You guys have waited a LONG time for this. Enjoy the playoffs and represent the region well.

Wow! Congratulations, it is amazing the difference from this time last year. As a parent of high school athletes it is so important to have strong positive leadership. My son does not play for JCCHS but I have always followed them and hoped for them to get the opportunity to have good consistent leadership.

This coach has come in and made ALL the difference. Great job guys and keep up the good work! :)

It's really great to see the Panthers having success. I saw alot of those tough times when they came close, but not close enough. From 2003 to 2006 I escorted the Panthers on their away games, I saw how hard they played to only come up short. I hope this is the start of something good that will last a long time. Now some people don't want to hear it or admit it, but you have to give Billy Kirk some credit. He layed the foundation for what is going on now. If you ask Coach Davis, he would say the same. Most of the time the person that lays the foundation is not the one that frame up the walls. Billy Kirk layed the foundation, and Coach Davis is framing the walls. Don't be surprised if someone else has to sheet rock those walls.

I am really not sure to what capacity you know the self proclaimed Mr wonderful, aka BILLY KIRK, but I had the misfortune of knowing him on a personal and professional basis.

I guess for me not being a football coach I cannot accurately judge his abilities on the field, but I can attest for the things I saw and experienced by having the misfortune to interact with him on a daily basis. As an educator ( and I use that term VERY losely) he played favorites, used any opportunity to showcase himself in a flattering light, which worked for a short time on some staff at JCCHS and a select few students. That is just it, he was put in a role as an example to athletes and students alike and a role model he is not! He looks down his nose on anyone of the female gender. He resorts to BULLYING to advance his agenda and gain control in situations and from my very unfortunate experience never seemed to have a valid or intelligent one. I am SO happy to not see him strutting around the halls of JCCHS like a peacock on display. His attitude and mistreatment of fellow faculty ARE NOT MISSED!

This is something that ALOT of people were waiting on. JCCHS DESERVES more from a coach and educator than what he delivered. I am SO VERY TIRED of hearing the accolades that are given a man (term used losely) that doesn't have the ability to respect his fellow men and women and has NO BUSSINESS being held in a position to shape our youth!

I am very proud to see the direction that the Panthers are heading! For crying out loud can the new coach be given the credit?!?! Credit for bringing a new attitude and pride to a program that I feel Mr Kirk helped run in the ground.

So Dexter, back to my earlier point. I'm not sure your age or maturity but in life your personal integrity or the lack thereof spills into all aspects of your life. I may not know much about the game of football, but find it very hard to believe he made any different impression there than with the staff and faculty. Leaders are respected based on their level of consistency, honesty, integrity and ability to make fair decisions. They also should be humble enough to admit when they are wrong. Respect is gradually earned over time NOT demanded and expected. Over time a person gets seen for their true nature and not the PERSONA they are advertising. Myself and many others were able to see past that over time with Mr Kirk. I felt compelled to write this because I am so tired of seeing credit for current acomplishmnets given to him. If he is the coach everyone is now fantasizing that he was, why was he not able to do what Coach Harrison has done in such a short time???

GO PANTHERS, continue what you are doing and thank goodness you now have a positive role model to look up to!

With all due respect, I am so tired of hearing any mention of Billy Kirk when it comes to the current success the Panthers are having. Just how long does it take to lay a foundation and build something? I am sure most would agree if it took 5 years to just lay a foundation for a home then a new builder would DEFINITELY be in order! I am surprised it took 5 years for the administration and school board to realize this!

Myself and fellow teachers had the extreme displeasure of interacting with him on a daily basis. Billy Kirk was a liar and a bully who played favorites and used any means necessary to advance his cause. He showed an utter lack of respect for women and I have no doubt views them as inferior to himself. As a coach and educator (term used loosely) he served as an example to our youth and no doubt a horrible one! Those who have a glowing review on him were undoubtedly in his inner circle and they were people he viewed as a means to an end. I repeatedly heard him slur almost everyone, behind their backs of course, since this is typical behavior for cowards of his caliber.

I cannot imagine Billy Kirk offered the football team anymore than he offered the faculty and staff. Character carries over into every aspect of our lives and his lack of it became evident fairly early on.

Respect is earned through honesty, integrity and consistency. A leader cannot demand or take people's respect. Mr Kirk would do well to consider how he treats others. Always remember you can fool some of the people some of the time but not all of the people all of the time!

Go Panthers, keep doing what your doing and a huge THANKS to the school board for the positive changes made! Coach Harrison has in a short time built quite a foundation and will have more support from parents, students and teachers alike because he has EARNED it!

I am so glad of JCCHS Panthers. I remember back in 1992 when the Panthers went to playoffs. People have always had negative things to say about the football program. It was being said when I was a student and afterwards. I know that it has been a slow go thing to get to this point but I am proud to say that I am a JCCHS PANTHER!!!!

Congratulations to the Panthers. That was a great win over Elbert and a great season so far. Even though I am a Dragon fan, I am very proud of the Panther seniors who have stuck through the tough seasons and are realizing their goals. That is what football and youth sports are all about. Jefferson wishes y'all the best in the playoffs.

Planet Earth to SINDEL,I would like to file a missing persons report! Sindel has vanished, last seen immediately following the Panthers win over Elbert and not a word anytime recently, Oh yea, thats a GOOD thing!!

I want to say Congrats to the Panthers & to their Coaches, Players & Fans. Real Dragons support eachother and support their community. We can compete on the field, but once the game is over, we need to support eachother's efforts. I would like to see all the area teams go deep in the playoffs. Rivals aren't enemies--they respect eachother. This Dragon respects what the Panthers have done and wishes them the best in the playoffs--hope to see you in the Dome!

Iwas there in 1992 for that football season and i was there to watch football history to be made in 2012, JCCHS Class of 92-93 would like to say congrats to the Panthers, watched a great game that night, and even greater heart and will from the 2012 Panthers. Great job, now FINISH THE DRILL!

Add Comment

Name

Email

Homepage

In reply to

Comment

E-Mail addresses will not be displayed and will only be used for E-Mail notifications.

To prevent automated Bots from commentspamming, please enter the string you see in the image below in the appropriate input box. Your comment will only be submitted if the strings match. Please ensure that your browser supports and accepts cookies, or your comment cannot be verified correctly.Enter the string from the spam-prevention image above:

Phone*

What is two plus four?

Remember Information? Subscribe to this entry

Submitted comments will be subject to moderation before being displayed.